Nagpur: In response to the recent hoarding collapse tragedy in Mumbai, which resulted in the loss of 16 lives and left over 70 people injured, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has taken swift action to ensure public safety. On Thursday, NMC officials removed a hoarding atop an old building at Coffee House Square in Dharampeth. The decision was made after a survey revealed that the steel structure of the hoarding was worn out and posed a significant risk of collapse.
Following the incident in Mumbai, which involved illegal hoarding, NMC has activated its machinery to survey all hoarding sites within its jurisdiction ahead of the monsoon season. This proactive approach aims to prevent similar tragedies by identifying and addressing potential hazards associated with hoardings.
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Sat 21 Dec. 2024
In a pioneering move, NMC has deployed drones to locate illegal hoardings across the city. This marks the first time the civic body has utilized such technology for this purpose. The use of drones is expected to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of identifying unauthorized structures.
Senior officials of NMC recently conducted a review of hoarding permissions and found that approximately 1,053 private sites in the city have been rented out for hoardings. Many of these structures, often of significant height and constructed using iron rods, are now under scrutiny. NMC plans a 15-day drive to ensure that all hoardings are legal and structurally stable.
The process of granting hoarding permissions by NMC involves a thorough verification of around 13 different documents. This is in accordance with the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Rules, particularly Section 244 of the Sky Sign and Advertising Display Regulation and Control Rule 2022. The competent authority conducts spot inspections based on submitted documents and requires stability certificates from structural engineers.
To bolster the system, NMC engaged a private agency during 2021-22 and 2022-23 to survey and tag hoarding sites with GIS data. This geospatial tagging enables precise location identification, facilitating quick detection and action against illegal hoardings.
The Urban Development Department of Maharashtra has issued a directive for all local bodies to review hoardings within their jurisdictions. In response, NMC has formed two dedicated squads to conduct these surveys. Given the high rental costs for hoarding permits imposed by local bodies, many advertisers opt for private sites, necessitating rigorous oversight.
NMC’s prompt and decisive actions following the Mumbai tragedy underscore its commitment to public safety and adherence to regulations. The deployment of drones and the utilization of GIS data represent significant steps towards a more secure and regulated environment for advertising hoardings in Nagpur.
